Alexar Nalwanga, a 19-year-old automotive mechanics student at Vision Africa Vocational Institute in Mukono, challenges gender stereotypes in the male-dominated field. Clad in a dark green overall, Nalwanga confidently performs a diagnostic test on a Toyota Ipsum, showcasing her skills in the practical exam for the Uganda Business and Technical Exams (UBTEB). Her success symbolizes a changing trend in technical education, particularly in attracting more female students to traditionally male-dominated courses.
Technical education in Uganda has been recognized as a key factor in the country’s competitiveness in global skills. Reforms under the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) 2019 have aimed to address challenges, including the under-representation of women in the sector. State Minister for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, toured various exam centers and discovered a positive shift.
TVET schools reported an increasing number of female students taking on vocational courses that were previously considered the domain of males. The minister learned that TVET is now attracting bright students, dispelling the perception that it is only for those unable to excel academically. Institutions, such as Vision Africa Vocational Institute, have witnessed a rise in female enrollment, with courses like shoe repair, woodwork, electrical engineering, leather tanning, and welding attracting more female students.
Decentralized admission processes, implemented two years ago in line with the TVET policy of 2019, have contributed to this positive change. Students can now apply to institutions closer to their residence, making the application process and entry requirements more accessible. This has led to increased enrollment, including a higher proportion of female students in some schools.
Mary Nabuuma, the principal of Vision Africa Vocational Institute, highlighted that for every 10 boys admitted, at least three are female students, a notable improvement from previous years. The allure of career progression in TVET and the practical nature of the courses have contributed to changing perceptions and attracting more female students.
During her visit to Nakawa Vocational Institute, Minister Kaducu expressed satisfaction seeing girls involved in practical activities like installing CCTV cameras, plumbing, electrical work, and building construction as part of their exams. She emphasized the need for equal opportunities and acknowledged that there is still work to be done, including allocating an adequate budget to create incentives for female enrollment.
Institutions like Vision Africa Vocational Institute are actively guiding and encouraging girls to explore opportunities in TVET. The emphasis on practical learning, easier subject comprehension, and the prestige associated with studying subjects perceived as masculine contribute to the growing success of female students in the sector.
While challenges remain, such as the need for a sufficient budget for incentives, TVET institutions are making progress in breaking gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity in technical education.
